An introduction to the sources, cycling, and impacts of toxicants in aquatic systems, including acid rain, ground water, fresh water rivers and lakes, estuaries, and the ocean. Emphasis is on the properties of toxic chemicals that influence their biogeochemical cycles and factors that influence their toxicity to aquatic organisms and humans. (General Education Code(s): SI.)

METX 101

Sources and Fates of Pollutants

Upper Division

5 units

Presents in-depth important principles of environmental toxicology related to the introduction, transport, and fate of toxicants in aquatic and terrestrial environments, including environmental chemistry and biogeochemical cycles as well as exposure pathways and uptake by organisms. Additional emphasis placed on susceptibility and effects of toxicants across organ systems, toxicokinetic and biomarkers of exposure, and effects at the ecosystem level. Students cannot receive credit for this course and course 201.

METX 102

Cell and Molecular Toxicology

Upper Division

5 units

Emphases of biochemical, cellular, and organ system basis of intoxication, including dose-response relationships, biotransformation of toxicants, biochemical mechanisms underlying toxicity, factors influencing toxic action, and biomarkers of exposure. Emphasizes effects of various classes of toxins, including heavy metals and persistent synthetic organics, with a focus on susceptible biochemical/cellular processes of the central nervous, immune, hepatic, and renal target organ systems. Designed for advanced undergraduates. Students cannot receive credit for this course and course 202. (Formerly Cellular and Organismal Toxicology.) Prerequisite(s): Biology 20A and 20B or equivalent; Biology 100, Biochemistry, and 110, Cell Biology, are recommended. Enrollment restricted to juniors and seniors.

METX 119

Microbiology

Upper Division

5 units

Cell and molecular biology of bacteria and their viruses, including applications in medicine, public health, agriculture, and biotechnology. Prerequisite(s): BIOC 100A or BIOL 101.

METX 119L

Microbiology Laboratory

Upper Division

5 units

An introduction to the principles and practices of laboratory microbiology, with a substantial presentation of optical microscopy. Students are billed a materials fee. Prerequisite(s): previous or concurrent enrollment in course 119 required; satisfaction of Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements. Enrollment restricted to biological sciences and affiliated majors; biology minors; other majors by permission.

METX 125

Practicing Safe Science

Upper Division

2 units

Introduces research safety principles and practices. Instructors and guest experts discuss research hazards and control measures. Students explore the safe use of research methods and materials via hands-on and outside exercises. Issues include compliance with hazardous waste and other environmental safety regulations.

METX 135

Functional Anatomy

Upper Division

5 units

A rigorous systems-based course in anatomy. Lectures provide an overview of functional anatomy at all levels from the systems to the tissues. Provides a mechanistic understanding of the structures of the body as a foundation for human-health oriented studies. (Formerly BIOL 135.) Prerequisite(s): courses 20A and Biology: Ecology and Evolutionary 20B. Concurrent enrollment in course 135L is required. Enrollment restricted to biological sciences majors and affiliated majors and biology minors.

METX 135C

Cadaver Dissection Laboratory

Upper Division

2 units

Dissection of a human cadaver under the direction of an anatomy instructor. Prerequisite(s): course 135 and 135L, or Biology 135 and 135L, or Anthropology 102A. Enrollment limited to 16. May be repeated for credit.

METX 135L

Functional Anatomy Lab

Upper Division

2 units

Complements lecture course 135. Emphasizes nomenclature and recognition; includes the embryology and histology of bones, muscles, and internal organs, and the interactions between the systems of the body. Students are billed a materials fee. (Formerly BIOL 135L.) Prerequisite(s): BIOL 20A and BIOE 20B. Enrollment restricted to biological sciences majors and affiliated majors and biology minors. Concurrent enrollment in METX 135 is required. Enrollment limited to 24.

Analyses of contemporary problems in groundwater contamination, based on current scientific understanding of contaminant transport in aquifers. Topics include both theoretical concepts and case studies. Prerequisite(s): Earth Science 110B. Offered in alternate academic years.

For advanced undergraduates who are actively engaged in undergraduate research (e.g., independent study or senior thesis). Emphasizes the collection, reduction, analysis, management, and interpretation of scientific data; the presentation of scientific data in written and oral formats; and further development of critical thinking. Prerequisite(s): satisfaction of the Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements.

METX 160

Coastal Environmental Toxicology and Policy

Upper Division

3 units

Interdisciplinary analysis of the scientific basis and policy development to regulate and manage environmental pollutants in coastal waters. Focuses on case studies involving aspects of environmental toxicology and policy including environmental monitoring and regulatory programs; ecosystem restoration; and regulating the environmental impacts of coastal development. Enrollment restricted to sophomores, juniors, seniors, and graduate students.

METX 170

Drug Action and Development

Upper Division

5 units

Lectures and case studies explore principles and approaches in drug discovery and development, emphasizing concepts in pharmacology; medicinal chemistry; and genomics- and bioinformatics-based approaches to drug discovery to illustrate pathways from discovery through development for clinical use. Cannot receive credit for this course and course 270. (Formerly Frontiers in Drug Action and Discovery.) (Also offered as Chemistry and Biochemistry 170 and Biomolecular Engineering 170. Students cannot receive credit for both courses.) Prerequisite(s): Biology 100 or Chemistry 103 or Biochemistry 100A. Biology 110 and 130/L or 131/L are recommended. Enrollment restricted to juniors and seniors.

METX 200

Interdisciplinary Approaches in Environmental Toxicology

Graduate

5 units

Introduction to interdisciplinary, case-based approaches to problem-solving. Demonstrates how important, current problems in environmental and human health have been addressed and solved. Presents assigned problems that integrate the different organization levels (environmental, molecular/cellular, organismal/public health) inherent to environmental and human health. Students work in collaborative teams to analyze each problem and create a proposal for a research plan/solution. Enrollment is restricted to graduate students. Advanced undergraduates may enroll by permission of the instructor.

METX 201

Sources and Fates of Pollutants

Graduate

5 units

Presents in-depth important principles of environmental toxicology related to the introduction, transport, and fate of toxicants in aquatic and terrestrial environments including environmental chemistry and biogeochemical cycles as well as exposure pathways and uptake by organisms. Additional emphasis will be placed on the susceptibility and effects of toxicants across organ systems, toxicokinetics and biomarkers of exposure, and effects at the ecosystem level. Students cannot receive credit for this course and course 101. Enrollment is restricted to graduate students; qualified undergraduate science majors may enroll with permission of instructor.

METX 202

Cell and Molecular Toxicology

Graduate

5 units

Emphasizes biochemical, cellular, and organ system basis of intoxication, including dose-response relationships, biotransformation of toxicants, biochemical mechanisms underlying toxicity, factors influencing toxic action, and biomarkers of exposure. Emphasizes effects of various classes of toxins, including heavy metals and persistent synthetic organics, with a focus on susceptible biochemical/cellular processes of the central nervous, immune, hepatic, and renal target organ systems. Students cannot receive credit for this course and Microbiology and Environmental Toxicology 102 or BIOL 122.. (Formerly "Cellular and Organismal Toxicology.") Enrollment is restricted to graduate students.

METX 203

Cellular and Molecular Toxicology

Graduate

5 units

Presents in-depth cellular and molecular principles of environmental toxicology. These include modes of action and cellular and molecular targets of toxicants, as well as mechanisms of cellular and molecular responses to toxicants and their detoxification. State-of-the-art biological methodologies and approaches to identify and study cellular targets of toxicants. Designed to provide students with a broad and deep understanding of the biological aspects of toxicology at both cellular and molecular levels, and the skills to approach emerging challenges in the field. Enrollment is restricted to graduate students; qualified undergraduates may enroll with instructor's permission.

METX 205

Scientific Skills, Ethics, and Writing

Graduate

5 units

Provides fundamental training of graduate students in the scientific method; experimental design; ethics in science; grant proposal and scientific writing; and data presentation and scientific speaking. Students are evaluated on class participation, performance, and a written NIH/NSF-style research proposal. Advanced undergraduates may enroll with permission of the instructor. Enrollment restricted to graduate students.

Focuses on the molecular basis of bacterial pathogenesis with specific emphasis on gene expression, regulation, and ecology and evolution. Enrollment is restricted to graduate students.Advanced undergraduates with extensive background in microbiology and biology may enroll with permission of instructor.

METX 215

Antibiotics: Actions and Resistance

Graduate

3 units

Critical review of scientific literature covering genetic and physiological mechanisms conferring resistance to antibiotics and their spread in the population. Format based on structured discussion of selected topics and original research proposal. (Formerly Seminar in Advanced Prokaryotic Molecular Biology.) Prerequisite(s): course 206A or course 119, or by permission of the instructor. Enrollment is restricted to graduate students. Enrollment limited to 12.

METX 238

Pathogenesis: Molecular Mechanisms of Disease

Graduate

5 units

Provides an overview of the mammalian innate immune response and the role of inflammation in disease. Also, presents how both environmental stressors and microbial pathogens impact inflammation. Enrollment is restricted to graduate students.

Scientific Communication in Microbiology and Environmental Toxicology A

Graduate

5 units

Introduces multiple forms of scientific presentation and communication to graduate students. Students learn to craft and deliver multiple types of written and visual communications, including formal and informal modes, on a topic developed as part of the class. Prerequisite(s): course 200. Enrollment is restricted to graduate students. Enrollment limited to 10.

Continuation of METX 245A. Students develop and refine a capstone in-depth report in a written form and as an oral presentation. Prerequisite(s): course 245A. Enrollment is restricted to graduate students. Enrollment limited to 10.

METX 250

Environmental Microbiology

Graduate

5 units

How microbes interact with their environments. Topics include anaerobic metabolism; biotransformation of toxic metals and organic pollutants; geomicrobiology; life in extreme environments; water quality. Advanced undergraduates with extensive background in microbiology and biology may enroll with permission of instructor. Enrollment is restricted to graduate students. Offered in alternate academic years.

METX 270

Drug Action and Development

Graduate

5 units

Lectures and case studies explore principles and approaches in drug discovery and development, emphasizing concepts in pharmacology; medicinal chemistry; and genomics- and bioinformatics-based approaches to drug discovery to illustrate pathways from discovery through development for clinical use. Cannot receive credit for this course and course 170. (Formerly Frontiers in Drug Action and Discovery.) (Also offered as Chemistry and Biochemistry 270 and Biomolecular Engineering 270. Students cannot receive credit for both courses.) Enrollment is restricted to graduate students.

METX 281A

Topics in Environmental Toxicology

Graduate

5 units

Selected topics in environmental toxicology. Topics vary from year to year. Enrollment is restricted to graduate students; qualified upper-division science majors may enroll with instructor's permission. May be repeated for credit.

METX 281C

Topics in Environmental Microbiology

Graduate

2 units

Seminar and discussion focusing on mechanism of microbial transformation of metals. Participants present results from their research projects in a seminar format. Relevant journal articles presented and discussed. Enrollment is restricted to graduate students; qualified undergraduates may enroll with instructor's permission.

METX 281F

Topics in Aquatic Toxicology

Graduate

2 units

Analyses of the sources and fates of aquatic pollutants. Discussions on processes at the air-water interface, within the water column, and in aquatic sediments. Topics vary from year to year. Enrollment is restricted to graduate students; qualified upper-division science majors may enroll with instructor's permission. May be repeated for credit.

METX 281M

Topics in Molecular Toxicology

Graduate

2 units

Seminar and discussion on the mechanisms of toxicity in DNA alkylating agents. Participants present results from their research, and relevant journal articles are discussed. Enrollment is restricted to graduate students. Undergraduates may enroll with instructor's permission. Enrollment limited to 5. May be repeated for credit.

METX 281O

Topics in Bacterial Pathogenesis

Graduate

2 units

Intensive seminar focusing on mechanisms of bacterial pathogenesis of the ulcer-causing bacterium Helicobacter pylori. Participants are required to present results from their own research and relevant journal articles. (Also offered as Biology: Molecular Cell & Dev 280O. Students cannot receive credit for both courses.) Enrollment is restricted to graduate students; qualified undergraduates may enroll with permission of instructor. Enrollment limited to 20. May be repeated for credit.

METX 281S

Cellular and Organismal Responses to Toxicants

Graduate

2 units

Intensive research seminar on the concepts, theory, and techniques in deriving physiologically based pharmacokinetic models of toxin exposure, metabolism, and efficacy of therapeutic treatment in mammalian models of human metal toxicity. Enrollment is restricted to graduate students; qualified undergraduates may enroll with permission of instructor. May be repeated for credit.

METX 281V

Topics in Bacterial Pathogenesis and Innate Immunity

Graduate

2 units

Focuses on the interplay between the human gut bacterial pathogen Yersinia pseudotuberculosis and the innate immune system of the host. Participants are required to present the goals, results, and conclusions from their own research. Participation in the general discussion during others' presentations is also required. Enrollment is restricted to graduate students. Qualified undergraduates performing research under the supervision of the instructor may enroll with instructor's permission. May be repeated for credit.

METX 281Y

Biofilms: Processes and Regulation

Graduate

2 units

Intensive seminar series focusing on the most current work on genes and the processes that regulate biofilm development dynamics as well as on the recent developments on visualization of biofilms. Presentation and discussion based. Enrollment is restricted to graduate students. Qualified undergraduate students may enroll with instructor's permission. May be repeated for credit.

METX 282

Current Approaches to Molecular Pathogenesis

Graduate

2 units

Graduate level seminar focusing on the mechanisms by which bacterial pathogens cause disease. Specific topics include basic concepts of virulence and virulence factors, virulence factor regulation, toxins, and interactions of pathogens with mammalian cells and organs. Discussions focus on several key pathogens, including Helicobacter pylori, Vibrio cholerae, Salmonella typhimuruim, and Listeria monocytogenes. May be repeated for credit.

METX 290

Proseminar

Graduate

5 units

Special topics offered from time to time by faculty, visiting professors, or staff members. Enrollment is restricted to graduate students; qualified undergraduates may enroll with instructor's permission. May be repeated for credit.

METX 290A

Epidemiology and Risk Assessment

Graduate

5 units

Approaches different techniques of biological monitoring and the exposure and effect of biomarkers related to occupational and environmental exposure to chemicals. Available methods for risk assessment and identification of protective exposure limits also considered. (Formerly Biological Impact of Chemical Exposures.)

METX 292

Introductory Graduate Seminar

Graduate

0 units

Weekly seminars by academic and research faculty on their areas of special interest. Students write weekly abstracts on articles covered by the seminars. Enrollment is restricted to graduate students; qualified undergraduates may enroll with instructor's permission.